Crying and moaning and barking senior dog

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a 12 year old moaning and crying and barking dog.  This started about 2-l/2 yrs. ago.  He barks for food, always hungry.  He walks around crying when not asleep.  Makes me get up in the morning sometimes at 5 a.m. to feed him. he gets fed twice a day.  I don't rush to get up, usually put up with the moaning for about an hour then can't stand it any longer.  At night he has got himself in this routine that he wants to go to bed at 10 p.m. come hell or high water, carries on, crying and barking till I go to bed.   Sometimes I don't want to go to bed at 10 p.m.  I have tried ignorning him for hours on end and nothing seems to stop him.  If I am talking on the phone he starts carrying on.  Is this dimentia or what?  I have had him to the vet just 2 weeks ago.  He is on Thyroid pills and she redid blood work and told me its just old age.  Any suggestions, I love him dearly but am ready to have his jaw wired. (just kidding)  Apparently his mother was exactly the same way.
ANSWER: Hello Janet,

Sorry you're having this problem with your beloved senior pet.

It was funny that as I was reading your post, I was getting the impression of thyroid problems. As I got toward the end, I noticed that your dog was taking meds for this. Many dogs that are hypothyroid will be constantly STARVING! I have an old beagle female that you would think she is never feed by her reaction when you are in the kitchen, but by looking at her, you would think we force feed her. She is hypothyroid and has cushings syndrome, so she got a double-whammy.

Any way, the anxiety you are describing may be coming from old age or confusion, but my guess is he is just very demanding. He has learned that you will eventually give in and will hold out, no matter how long it takes. I don't think it is dementia or old age, but he definitely has some anxiety and it could also be due to his thyroid problems. You might want to consider an herbal anxiety remedy, as these are quite effective and safe. There are products made that you can purchase ready to use or you can buy the straight herbs and give them, but the products are usually adequate. A couple of products that have shown useful are Rescue Remedy by Bach's and Quiet Moments by Naturvet, but there are numerous others that I have not used.
I would also recommend a crate (if he doesn't have one) and lots of will power. He really needs to understand that no matter how long he whines, you will NOT give in. I know you love him, but some time, you have to be tough. It's just not healthy for a dog to be so full of negative energy. I'm sure that your frustration is also affecting his anxiety as well, so you might want to consider a nice herbal product for yourself :)

I hope that this helps and that you can find some peace for you and your friend :)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Renee:  Thanks for your speedy reply.  Funny you should mention the Rescue remedy I actually have some of that for me.  I had to laugh when you suggested I take some.  Your probably right I think it could be a form of anxiety he has.  He is a springer spaniel.  I have another one who is the total opposite of course she is a female.  I have tried the crate thing with him but unfortunately my husband does not like to hear him cry and gives in, just like he does with the cookies.  He feels he is starving.  I am trying to keep his weight down because of his hips he is solid about 5 lbs up right now.  I can't afford for him to get any heavier or I won't be able to lift him onto the bed as he can't get up on his own.  I think he is definitely playing us.  When my husband has been away for a long period of time, cookies are cut right out and he is better not perfect but better.  My husband gives him the cookies to shut him up.  I am beginning to think a big part of my problem is my poor husband.  Anyway I have just given Madison (my dog) a shot of rescue rememdy we will see how things go.  Thanks a million for your advice.

Answer
Well, I hope that it works for him :) Maybe when your hubby is home, you could give him a shot too, lol.

I'm sure you know that when your hubby gives the cookies to a whinny dog, this is just reinforcing the behavior.

Any way, Let me know how it's going.